Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1887-10-21
THE VERMONT PHGNIX BRATTEBORO 1887

diers home at Bennington was turned over
To- the state for the perpetual care Of her
disabled soldiers
Ex-tiov Holbrook was warmly applaud.
ed when introduced as one OF the three liy
ing war governors of Vermont He spoke
Of the rapid FLIGHT Of time aud Of the great
changes since the DAYS Of the wur. of the
heroic devotion and the brave deeds done
toy the soldiers Of Vermont. whom be was
proud to call my boys" He babe them all
God speed. and hoped their lives might be
long 20 enjoy the glorious results achieved
10y their services
ExGov Pingrec was httinglv introduced
as one who the tonst master believed. wet
his feet at Lees Mills Col Pngree re.
called the time when, on the oath dav of
July, 26 years ago. he first saw Gov. Hol-
brook, as the train bore him and his regi-
ment toward the front He paid warm
and apprccative tribute to all the war gov
ernors Of Nermont-Erastus Fairbanks.
Frederick Holbrook John Gregory Smith.
Paul Dillingham;
Judge Neazey. who spoke for the Six
teenth regiment and the Second brigade.
said the men Of the brigade only claimed
for it that at pivotal point in the pivotal
battle of the war the brigade awaited itself
OF the advantages Of its position and did
its duty. Not only did its members do
their duty on that meadow bottom at Get
tysburg on that hot day in July. but they
have been doing their duty ever since 1t
was not for dollars and cents that Vermont
soldiers went 20 the war he made no claim
for service pension or for any other
sweeping pension enactment, but he did
claim that if any old soldier became from
any cause poor and ragged. and disabled in
body or mind, he should have from the
overlooking Golfers Of the government the
pittance which would keep him from want
and the poor-house
That sturdy old veteran, Gen. Stephen
Thomas, was heartily welcomed when he
rose to speak for the Eighth Vermont. The
war period, he said. wa, greater than any
who lived in it, soldiers or civilians, knew
1t was greater than we realize today, even
Its results will hc felt as long as time shall
last Gen. Ihomas's tribute tu Gov. Long
ana his Grafton was cordial one and deliv-
cred III his own bluff inimitable way. He
was glad that he came down and had seen
Gov. Long. lie thought when he watched
his fight against b. F. Butler and saw him
beat him at every point that he must be "a
mighty smart man, and now he was sure
of it,
Col Holbrook speaking for the unattach
ed regiments, paid feicituus and glowing
tribute to all those who fought and BLEED on
so many southern fields
Gen. Circuit spoke Of the pleasure afforded
by these annual reunions and of the strong
tie which binds together these old comrades.
who find themselves already in the sere and
yellow leaf
Hon. j. L. Martin spoke for the citizen,
some of the few good and patriotic men
who stHid at home and didn't 20 to the war
Col Farnham spoke feelingly for the re
union society and these annual gatherings
which grow dearer and dearer year hv wear.
Judge Tyler when called out answered
that, as he had had mo- furewarnng and had
made no preparation, he preferred tu sit at
the feet of those who fought the battle, Of
the Union, and learn from them the lesson
of the war
Col Albert Clarke spoke in happy phrase
for the women of the war and the heroic
service which they rendered
Col llaskins was called ON to speak for
the soldier citizens, but replied that he
hoped lac knew too much 10 speak in that
presence without "a moments preparation.
GuN Long, when called out at this stage
Of the proceedings for his fuur-minute
speech revealed himself as the wittiest and
most lelicitou, of utter. dinner" speakers
In succession of keen Witticisms many
of them aimed Enthusiastically at the head of
the toast master, hc kept his audience M a
prolonged CONFUSION of laughter Per
haps IN, most telling hit was IN his susge-.
ton that If tins business Of speech making
was 10 Ice kept up much lunger-withoui
anything 10 eat--thr chairman should bring
the speakers ont rs he did the male quartet
IN sections of four at time Closing IN a
serious VEIN he spoke Of his visit 10 Brattle
boru as revelation of natural beauty
among the hills of Vermont and Of tn,
pleasure he had felt IN this brief season
spent with the veterans Of the Green
Mountain state
Col. Parsons Of Northampton spoke Of
his old regiment the Tenth Massachusetts.
and Rev y. y. Gluzler Of Greenfield. a
Vermont soldier. gave in few words ten
der tribute To Our fallen comrades
y letter of regrets from Senator Ed
munds was read
The exercises were interpreted with fire
quent selections 10y the band and voca
quartet programs of whose selections ar,
elsewhere given, and the proceedings closes
with vote Of thanks for their service,
which We're so generously rendered
The public meeting broke up shortly be
fore II O'Clock, the experiment of short
speeches from numerous speakers under d
| rigid five minute rule having proved ID de-
cided success.